Bundle Up and Stay Safe during the Next Severe Winter Weather Spell

As we head into the heart of winter, the Montana Red Cross shares these steps for staying warm and safe:

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Bozeman, January 2, 2014—Millions of people are facing severe winter weather over the next few days, including right here inMontana. Montana Red Cross is watching the situation and is prepared to respond to emergencies when necessary.

“Temperatures are expected to drop precipitously over the next few days in some areas, and the added wind chill is likely to create potentially hazardous winter weather conditions around the state, especially in the northeastern part of Montana,” says Rod Kopp, CEO of Montana Red Cross. “In a harsh climate like ours, it is worth reminding that simple precautions can mean the difference between life and death during very cold weather spells.”

COLD SAFETY TIPS

Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing body heat.

After the storm, be extremely careful if you have to shovel snow. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.

Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia, including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.

· Don’t forget your pets – bring them indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.

· Avoid frozen pipes – run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent them from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children. Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage.

· Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you could avoid a more costly repair job if your pipes freeze and burst.

Download the American Red Cross First Aid App for quick, expert advice on what to do in case of an emergency. This free app is available on the Apple iTunes or Google Play stores. See all Red Cross apps at redcross.org/mobileapps.

USE CAUTION WITH SPACE HEATERS, FIREPLACES AND GENERATORS

Heating systems are running at full force and many people are resorting to other sources to keep their homes warm. To avoid fire danger, you should remember the following:

· Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.

· If you are using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away – things such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs. Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.

· If you are using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

· Use generators correctly – never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage.

· Don’t hook a generator up to the home’s wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.

Donate Blood

This latest winter storm is already affecting millions of people and could result in the cancellation of Red Cross blood drives in areas impacted by the weather. Despite the storm, hospital patients across the country will still need blood. If you are in a region unaffected by the storm, please consider making an appointment to donate blood or platelets.

To give blood, someone must be at least 17 years of age, meet weight and height requirements and be in general good health. Donors should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID with them.

You can help people affected by severe winter weather emergencies as well as countless other crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org/montana or call 1-800-ARC-MONT (1-800-272-6668). Contributions may also be sent to American Red Cross of Montana, 1300 28th Street South,Great Falls,MT59405.

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